Air Force announces 11th athletics hall of fame class
5/16/2024 8:54:00 AM | General
Ben Garland (football), Len Salvemini (men’s soccer), Melissa Standley James (women’s basketball), Charlie Toth (men’s swimming/water polo), Joe Vasta (lacrosse), 1998 football team to be honored, Friday, Oct. 18
Air Force athletics announced its 11th class for induction into the school's Athletics Hall of Fame. The class of football standout and NFL veteran Ben Garland, soccer All-American Len Salvemini, women's basketball career scoring leader Melissa Standley James, dual sport standout Charlie Toth, lacrosse All-American Joe Vasta and the 1998 conference champion football team will be honored Friday, Oct. 18, at the Falcon Stadium East Club.
Garland, a 2010 graduate, was an all-Mountain West selection in 2009, helping the Falcons to an 8-5 record and an Armed Forces Bowl victory over Houston. Garland signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos in 2010, where he began his professional football career. Garland later signed with the Atlanta Falcons where he played both on offense and defense and played in the 2017 Super Bowl. He was the starting center for the San Francisco 49ers in 2019 and played in Super Bowl LIV. Garland won the NFL's Salute to Service Award in 2018 and is a two-time NFL Man of the Year nominee from two different franchises.
Salvemini, a 1975 graduate, is the program's career scoring leader with 149 points and all-time leading goal scorer with 65. A two-time All-American, he was a four-time all-conference and all-Far West region selection. Salvemini later played three seasons in the Major Indoor Soccer League and played on the Olympic team during the 1976 qualifiers.
Standley James, a 1990 graduate, is the program's career scoring (1,738) and rebounding (853) leader. A three-time all-conference selection, she earned team most valuable player honors in 1990. Her 20.4 career scoring average is the best in program history. Standley James led the team in scoring three times and rebounding four times. Her military career includes serving as Wing Commander for Al Udeid Air Force and Vance Air Force Base. She is also a member of the Indiana Sports Hall of Fame.
Toth, a 2001 graduate, was a two-sport standout in men's swimming and water polo. He became the program's first Mountain West champion in any sport, winning the 100-meter freestyle in 2000. Toth is the school record holder in the 100 free and the 50 free. He earned honorable mention All-America honors in water polo in 2000 and is the school record holder in steals with 257. Toth earned the Academy's Athletic Excellence Award in 2001.
Vasta, a 1986 graduate, earned honorable mention All-America honors in 1986. A two-time team captain and most valuable player, he was a four-time all-Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League selection. Vasta is the school record holder in career points (343) and assists (170). He ranked sixth in NCAA history in career assists and eighth in career goals when he graduated.
The 1998 football team finished 12-1 overall to match the school record for most wins, while winning the program's only outright conference championship. The Falcons defeated BYU, 20-13, to win the Western Athletic Conference title and later defeated Washington, 45-25, in the O'ahu Bowl, finishing the season ranked 10th nationally. The team finished the season with a nine-game winning streak, the nation's second longest. The team featured the conference's offensive player of the year in quarterback Blane Morgan, defensive player of the year, defensive lineman Bryce Fisher and coach of the year Fisher DeBerry.
AIR FORCE ACADEMY ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME CLASSES
2007
Alonzo Babers, class of 1983, Track, 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist, All-American in 1983
Bob Beckel, class of 1959, Men's Basketball, 1959 Helms All-American
John Clune, Athletics Administration, Director of Athletics, 1975-91
Chad Hennings, class of 1988, Football, 1987 consensus football All-American and Outland Trophy winner
Michelle Johnson, class of 1981, Women's Basketball, 1995 CoSIDA Academic All-American
Brock Strom, class of 1959, Football, 1958 consensus All-American
2009
Jim Bowman, Athletic Administration, former coach and administrator, 1958-2007
Callie Calhoun Molloy, class of 1991, Track/Cross Country, multi All-American and national champion
Dee Dowis, class of 1990, Football, 1989 Heisman Trophy finalist
Ernie Jennings, class of 1971, Football, 1970 consensus football All-American
Terry Isaacson, class of 1964, Wrestling/Football, three-time wrestling All-American
Ben Martin, Coach, head football coach, 1958-77
2011
Jim Conboy, Athletic Administration, head athletic trainer, 1955-98
Gail Conway Gray, class of 1984, Track, two-time national champion
Chuck Delich, class of 1977, Ice Hockey, school's all-time leading scorer
Bob Nieman, class of 1970, Swimming, two-time All-American
Scott Thomas, class of 1986, Football, consensus All-American in 1985
2013
Karen Burton Reeder, class of 1984, Swimming, 16-time NCAA Division II All-American
Fisher DeBerry, Coach, Head Football Coach, 1984-06, winningest in school history
Parker Hinman, class of 1964, Basketball, Football, Baseball and Track, first four-sport letterman at the Academy
Eric Mack, class of 1996, Track, six-time conference champion and three-time All-American
Patty Martinez Gillette, class of 1983, Swimming, six-time NCAA Division II individual national champion
Carlton McDonald, class of 1993, Football, consensus All-American in 1992 and Thorpe Award runner-up
2015
Maiya Anderson, class of 1997, Swimming, 12-time NCAA Division II All-American
Raymond Dudley, class of 1990, Men's basketball, all-time leading scorer in program history
Gene Miranda, Coach, Men's golf, all-time winningest coach in program history
Dana Pounds, class of 2004, Track, two-time national champion in the javelin
Bob Spear, Coach, men's basketball, led program to two NCAA tournaments and most wins in program history
Bart Weiss, class of 1986, Football, conference offensive player of the year, runner up for Davey O'Brien award
1958 Football Team, posted only undefeated season at 9-0-2 in program history and earned Cotton Bowl berth
2017
Rich Gugat, Coach, Men's Tennis, the Academy's all-time winningest coach in all sports with 730 dual-match wins
Paul Arata, Coach, Men's and Women's Swimming, led programs to a combined 301-15-1 record
Mike Thiessen, class of 2001, Baseball/Football, two-time baseball All-American, football conference player of year
Jim Murphy, class of 1965, Track and Field, school's first NCAA champion, winning the 5,000-meters in 1964
Seth Kelsey, class of 2003, Fencing, three-time Olympic team member and 2003 NCAA champion in epee
Don Henderson, class of 1968, Wrestling, program's only NCAA champion, winning 145-pound title in 1967
Rick McAlister, class of 1975, Swimming and Diving, 1974 NCAA champ in 1-meter diving, four-time All-American
1995-96 Women's Swimming and Diving Team, Won back-to-back NCAA championships in 1994-95 and 1995-96
2019
Wayne Baughman, coach, wrestling, winningest coach in program history with 183 wins in 27 seasons
Delavane Diaz, class of 2004, Volleyball, Rhodes Scholar and USAFA female athlete of the year in 2004
Chris Gizzi, class of 1997, Football, All-American in 1997 and two-time WAC defensive player of the year
Eric Ehn, class of 2008, Hockey, the program's first All-American and a Hobey Hat Trick finalist
Gregg Popovich, class of 1970, Basketball, five-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs
1985 Football Team, school-record 12 wins, WAC champions, reached No. 4 in the national polls
2021
Otis Jones, class of 1995, Men's Basketball, first three-time first-team all-conference honoree, 2000-point scorer.
Terry Maki, class of 1987, Football, First-team All-American in football and two-time NCAA qualifier in wrestling.
Robin Orth, class of 1996, Rifle, Eight-time All-American and three-time team most valuable player.
Laura Simmons sBergstrom, class of 1994, Women's Tennis, 1991 NCAA National Singles Champion.
Randy Spetman, class of 1976, Athletics Administration, Director of Athletics from 1996-2003.
2004 Men's Basketball Team, 2004 Mountain West champions, first NCAA tournament for program in 42 years.
2022
Casey Converse, coach, Swimming, led Air Force to back-to-back NCAA titles in women's swimming in 1995-96
Ralph Lindeman, coach, Track and Field, 10-time MW champion, coached 178 MW individual champions.
Chris Knaute, class of 2007, Men's Swimming, two-time All-American and nine-time Mountain West champion.
Jacques Lamoureux, class of 2011, Hockey, first-team All-American, Hobey Baker Award finalist.
Beau Morgan, class of 1997, Football, first player in NCAA history with back-to-back 1,000-1,000 seasons.
Sara Neubauer, class of 2010, Women's Track and Field, three-time All-American, four-time MW champion.
2023
Chad Hall, class of 2008, football, All-American, MW offensive player of the year, multiple school rushing records
Tracy Healy class of 1996 , women's soccer, First-team All-American, 1995 Colorado Sports Woman of the Year
Marci McGlinn, class of 1985, Women's Gymnastics, Two-time NCAA champion, two-time All-American
Ben Phillips, class of 1975, Water Polo, Air Force career and single-season leader in goals and points
2009 Hockey team, First to win an NCAA tournament game, school-best 28-11-2 record, AHA champions
2024
Ben Garland, class of 2010, football, all-MW, played in two super bowls, two-time NFL Man of the Year nominee
Len Salvemini, class of 1975, men's soccer, career scoring leader and two-time All-American
Melissa Standley James, class of 1990, women's basketball, program's career scoring and rebounding leader
Charlie Toth, class of 2021, men's swimming/water polo, program's first MW champion in swimming
Joe Vasta, class of 1986, lacrosse, All-American and program record holder in points and assists
1998 Football team, only outright conference champion in program history, program-best-tying 12-1 record
Garland, a 2010 graduate, was an all-Mountain West selection in 2009, helping the Falcons to an 8-5 record and an Armed Forces Bowl victory over Houston. Garland signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos in 2010, where he began his professional football career. Garland later signed with the Atlanta Falcons where he played both on offense and defense and played in the 2017 Super Bowl. He was the starting center for the San Francisco 49ers in 2019 and played in Super Bowl LIV. Garland won the NFL's Salute to Service Award in 2018 and is a two-time NFL Man of the Year nominee from two different franchises.
Salvemini, a 1975 graduate, is the program's career scoring leader with 149 points and all-time leading goal scorer with 65. A two-time All-American, he was a four-time all-conference and all-Far West region selection. Salvemini later played three seasons in the Major Indoor Soccer League and played on the Olympic team during the 1976 qualifiers.
Standley James, a 1990 graduate, is the program's career scoring (1,738) and rebounding (853) leader. A three-time all-conference selection, she earned team most valuable player honors in 1990. Her 20.4 career scoring average is the best in program history. Standley James led the team in scoring three times and rebounding four times. Her military career includes serving as Wing Commander for Al Udeid Air Force and Vance Air Force Base. She is also a member of the Indiana Sports Hall of Fame.
Toth, a 2001 graduate, was a two-sport standout in men's swimming and water polo. He became the program's first Mountain West champion in any sport, winning the 100-meter freestyle in 2000. Toth is the school record holder in the 100 free and the 50 free. He earned honorable mention All-America honors in water polo in 2000 and is the school record holder in steals with 257. Toth earned the Academy's Athletic Excellence Award in 2001.
Vasta, a 1986 graduate, earned honorable mention All-America honors in 1986. A two-time team captain and most valuable player, he was a four-time all-Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League selection. Vasta is the school record holder in career points (343) and assists (170). He ranked sixth in NCAA history in career assists and eighth in career goals when he graduated.
The 1998 football team finished 12-1 overall to match the school record for most wins, while winning the program's only outright conference championship. The Falcons defeated BYU, 20-13, to win the Western Athletic Conference title and later defeated Washington, 45-25, in the O'ahu Bowl, finishing the season ranked 10th nationally. The team finished the season with a nine-game winning streak, the nation's second longest. The team featured the conference's offensive player of the year in quarterback Blane Morgan, defensive player of the year, defensive lineman Bryce Fisher and coach of the year Fisher DeBerry.
AIR FORCE ACADEMY ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME CLASSES
2007
Alonzo Babers, class of 1983, Track, 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist, All-American in 1983
Bob Beckel, class of 1959, Men's Basketball, 1959 Helms All-American
John Clune, Athletics Administration, Director of Athletics, 1975-91
Chad Hennings, class of 1988, Football, 1987 consensus football All-American and Outland Trophy winner
Michelle Johnson, class of 1981, Women's Basketball, 1995 CoSIDA Academic All-American
Brock Strom, class of 1959, Football, 1958 consensus All-American
2009
Jim Bowman, Athletic Administration, former coach and administrator, 1958-2007
Callie Calhoun Molloy, class of 1991, Track/Cross Country, multi All-American and national champion
Dee Dowis, class of 1990, Football, 1989 Heisman Trophy finalist
Ernie Jennings, class of 1971, Football, 1970 consensus football All-American
Terry Isaacson, class of 1964, Wrestling/Football, three-time wrestling All-American
Ben Martin, Coach, head football coach, 1958-77
2011
Jim Conboy, Athletic Administration, head athletic trainer, 1955-98
Gail Conway Gray, class of 1984, Track, two-time national champion
Chuck Delich, class of 1977, Ice Hockey, school's all-time leading scorer
Bob Nieman, class of 1970, Swimming, two-time All-American
Scott Thomas, class of 1986, Football, consensus All-American in 1985
2013
Karen Burton Reeder, class of 1984, Swimming, 16-time NCAA Division II All-American
Fisher DeBerry, Coach, Head Football Coach, 1984-06, winningest in school history
Parker Hinman, class of 1964, Basketball, Football, Baseball and Track, first four-sport letterman at the Academy
Eric Mack, class of 1996, Track, six-time conference champion and three-time All-American
Patty Martinez Gillette, class of 1983, Swimming, six-time NCAA Division II individual national champion
Carlton McDonald, class of 1993, Football, consensus All-American in 1992 and Thorpe Award runner-up
2015
Maiya Anderson, class of 1997, Swimming, 12-time NCAA Division II All-American
Raymond Dudley, class of 1990, Men's basketball, all-time leading scorer in program history
Gene Miranda, Coach, Men's golf, all-time winningest coach in program history
Dana Pounds, class of 2004, Track, two-time national champion in the javelin
Bob Spear, Coach, men's basketball, led program to two NCAA tournaments and most wins in program history
Bart Weiss, class of 1986, Football, conference offensive player of the year, runner up for Davey O'Brien award
1958 Football Team, posted only undefeated season at 9-0-2 in program history and earned Cotton Bowl berth
2017
Rich Gugat, Coach, Men's Tennis, the Academy's all-time winningest coach in all sports with 730 dual-match wins
Paul Arata, Coach, Men's and Women's Swimming, led programs to a combined 301-15-1 record
Mike Thiessen, class of 2001, Baseball/Football, two-time baseball All-American, football conference player of year
Jim Murphy, class of 1965, Track and Field, school's first NCAA champion, winning the 5,000-meters in 1964
Seth Kelsey, class of 2003, Fencing, three-time Olympic team member and 2003 NCAA champion in epee
Don Henderson, class of 1968, Wrestling, program's only NCAA champion, winning 145-pound title in 1967
Rick McAlister, class of 1975, Swimming and Diving, 1974 NCAA champ in 1-meter diving, four-time All-American
1995-96 Women's Swimming and Diving Team, Won back-to-back NCAA championships in 1994-95 and 1995-96
2019
Wayne Baughman, coach, wrestling, winningest coach in program history with 183 wins in 27 seasons
Delavane Diaz, class of 2004, Volleyball, Rhodes Scholar and USAFA female athlete of the year in 2004
Chris Gizzi, class of 1997, Football, All-American in 1997 and two-time WAC defensive player of the year
Eric Ehn, class of 2008, Hockey, the program's first All-American and a Hobey Hat Trick finalist
Gregg Popovich, class of 1970, Basketball, five-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs
1985 Football Team, school-record 12 wins, WAC champions, reached No. 4 in the national polls
2021
Otis Jones, class of 1995, Men's Basketball, first three-time first-team all-conference honoree, 2000-point scorer.
Terry Maki, class of 1987, Football, First-team All-American in football and two-time NCAA qualifier in wrestling.
Robin Orth, class of 1996, Rifle, Eight-time All-American and three-time team most valuable player.
Laura Simmons sBergstrom, class of 1994, Women's Tennis, 1991 NCAA National Singles Champion.
Randy Spetman, class of 1976, Athletics Administration, Director of Athletics from 1996-2003.
2004 Men's Basketball Team, 2004 Mountain West champions, first NCAA tournament for program in 42 years.
2022
Casey Converse, coach, Swimming, led Air Force to back-to-back NCAA titles in women's swimming in 1995-96
Ralph Lindeman, coach, Track and Field, 10-time MW champion, coached 178 MW individual champions.
Chris Knaute, class of 2007, Men's Swimming, two-time All-American and nine-time Mountain West champion.
Jacques Lamoureux, class of 2011, Hockey, first-team All-American, Hobey Baker Award finalist.
Beau Morgan, class of 1997, Football, first player in NCAA history with back-to-back 1,000-1,000 seasons.
Sara Neubauer, class of 2010, Women's Track and Field, three-time All-American, four-time MW champion.
2023
Chad Hall, class of 2008, football, All-American, MW offensive player of the year, multiple school rushing records
Tracy Healy class of 1996 , women's soccer, First-team All-American, 1995 Colorado Sports Woman of the Year
Marci McGlinn, class of 1985, Women's Gymnastics, Two-time NCAA champion, two-time All-American
Ben Phillips, class of 1975, Water Polo, Air Force career and single-season leader in goals and points
2009 Hockey team, First to win an NCAA tournament game, school-best 28-11-2 record, AHA champions
2024
Ben Garland, class of 2010, football, all-MW, played in two super bowls, two-time NFL Man of the Year nominee
Len Salvemini, class of 1975, men's soccer, career scoring leader and two-time All-American
Melissa Standley James, class of 1990, women's basketball, program's career scoring and rebounding leader
Charlie Toth, class of 2021, men's swimming/water polo, program's first MW champion in swimming
Joe Vasta, class of 1986, lacrosse, All-American and program record holder in points and assists
1998 Football team, only outright conference champion in program history, program-best-tying 12-1 record
Robert Morris bounces back to beat Air Force on Saturday
Sunday, December 07
Falcons top Robert Morris on Friday
Saturday, December 06
Joe Scott and Player POST Pacific
Thursday, December 04
Air Force falls to Pacific
Thursday, December 04
